Category: History
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Jean Georges Noverre: Father of Ballet d’Action
Jean Georges Noverre was a French pioneer born in the 18th century. His genius led him to develop a real change in classical ballet. He is considered the father of ballet d’action. So, this is a form of ballet that tells a story purely through dance, mime, and expressive movement. If you want to know…
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Ballet d’action: The Art That Transformed Dance Forever
At the beginning of the 18th century, ballet was not yet an independent art form. Dances were often inserted during play intervals to give actors time to change costumes and as a form of entertainment. But they had no plot or connection to the plays. However, this was soon to change, thanks to artists such…
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Ballet de la Nuit: The Grand Spectacle That Made Louis XIV the Sun King
The Ballet de la Nuit was one of the most magnificent spectacles of the 17th century. This “ballet de court” (court ballet) was presented in Paris in 1653. It lasted thirteen hours and featured 43 scenes that covered, in real time, the four watches of the night. The work combined mythological episodes, such as the…
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Ballet Beginnings: From Court Entertainment to Classical Technique
Ballet beginnings go back centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the Italian courts of the Renaissance, where nobles entertained themselves with dance performances. In its early days, the ballet was part of grand celebrations and parades commissioned by powerful families. These performances were far from the technically refined ballet of today. However, they…
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Pierre Beauchamp: The Master Who Codified Ballet Technique
You may take ballet classes, and you’ve probably wondered at some point: Who invented the five ballet positions? Who created those precise movements and codified them? Delving deeper into the history of ballet, one of the most prominent figures in the era of King Louis XIV was the Grand Master of Classical Ballet Pierre Beauchamp.…
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What is Ballet? What you need to know
What is ballet? Ballet is a classical and theatrical form of dance. It is a discipline that transcends time and culture, captivating audiences for over four centuries. Although all ballet is dance, not all dance is ballet. On the other hand, it is one of the most rigorous and structured forms of movement. So, you…
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Ballet Comique de la Reine: The First True Ballet in History
The Ballet Comique de la Reine, performed at the French court on October 15, 1581, is often considered the first authentic ballet in history. This performance was created to celebrate the wedding of Margaret of Lorraine, the queen’s sister, to the Duke of Joyeuse. It was the first attempt to combine music, dance, and poetry…
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The Complete History of Romeo and Juliet Ballet Versions
Did you know that there are many versions of the ballet Romeo and Juliet? In the West, the most popular productions are those by MacMillan and Cranko. Of course, the plots are identical in all versions, but the choreography varies according to the creators’ special characteristics. However, many other choreographers have created different versions of…